Scope of Practice

An ABC certified pedorthist is a health care professional who is specifically educated and trained to manage comprehensive pedorthic patient care. This includes patient evaluation, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, continuation of the treatment plan and practice management. Pedorthic care includes patient evaluation, and the design, fabrication, fitting, modification, maintenance and repair of pedorthic devices for the prevention or amelioration of painful and/or disabling conditions that originate at the ankle or below.

“Pedorthic devices” means therapeutic shoes, shoe modifications made for therapeutic purposes, prefabricated below the knee orthoses, partial foot prostheses for transmetatarsal and distal amputations, and foot orthoses. It also includes subtalar-control foot orthoses, also referred to as a SCFO, designed to manage the function of the anatomy by primarily controlling the range of motion of the subtalar joint. Excluding footwear, the proximal height of a custom pedorthic device does not extend beyond the junction of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon. Pedorthic devices do not include non-therapeutic inserts or footwear regardless of method of manufacture; unmodified, non-therapeutic over-the-counter shoes; or prefabricated foot care products. “Therapeutic” devices address a medical condition, diagnosed by a prescribing medical professional, while “non-therapeutic” devices do not address a medical condition.

The pedorthist certified by ABC is bound by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility which is enforced by a Professional Discipline program. The certified pedorthist is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. The time limited certification expires without compliance with the Recertification program. The practice of an ABC certified pedorthist includes but is not limited to:

1) Evaluation of patients with impairment of human movement or musculoskeletal abnormalities that would otherwise impede their ability to participate in their social/work environment or other activities in order to determine a functional intervention. Pedorthic patient assessment may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation and documentation of:

• anthropometric data
• cognition
• circulation
• skin integrity
• protective sensation
• pain
• peripheral nerve integrity
• endurance
• biomechanics
• gait analysis including temporal and spatial assessment
• range of motion
• muscle strength
• posture, balance and safety
• proprioception
• pedorthic requirements
• environmental barriers including social, home, and work reintegration

2) Formulation of a treatment plan is based upon a comprehensive assessment to design an intervention to alleviate limitations, improve function and enhance quality of life. Pedorthic treatment includes, but is not limited to:

• verification of prescription/documentation
• evaluation of the prescription rationale
• a recommendation incorporating patient and/or caregiver input
• development of functional goals
• use of evidence based practice
• analysis of structural and design requirements
• consultation with and/or referral to other health care professionals

3) Implementation of the pedorthic treatment plan includes, but is not limited to:

• acquisition of anthropometric data
• modification and/or rectification of anthropometric data
• material selection
• fabrication of pedorthic devices
• device structural evaluation
• diagnostic fitting
• gait training
• assessment of intervention for appropriate outcomes
• documentation of patient education and instruction
• supervision of the provision of care
• documentation of patient encounters

4) Utilization of a follow-up treatment plan that ensures successful pedorthics outcomes, patient health and quality of life which includes, but is not limited to:

• documentation of functional changes
• formulation of modifications to ensure successful outcomes
• reassessment of patient goals
• reassessment of treatment objectives
• development of long term treatment plan
• documentation of on-going patient education and instruction
• documentation of patient encounters

5) Compliance with practice management plans to develop and document policies and procedures to ensure patient protection includes, but is not limited to:

• adherence to applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
• following patient care guidelines and procedures maintaining a safe and professional environment for patient care
• comprehension of claims development and submission

6) Promotion of competency and enhancement of pedorthic professional practice to contribute to the profession’s body of knowledge includes, but is not limited to, participation in:

• training of residents/students
• continuing education
• clinical research
• evidence based studies
• promotion of public awareness of the pedorthic profession
• consumer organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations